U.S. patent application number 15/442892 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-30 for apparatus and method for surface finishing a flange surface of a flange of a pipe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jeff Martin, Matthew S. Ulliman. Invention is credited to Jeff Martin, Matthew S. Ulliman.
Application Number | 20180243878 15/442892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63245541 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180243878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ulliman; Matthew S. ; et
al. |
August 30, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SURFACE FINISHING A FLANGE SURFACE OF A
FLANGE OF A PIPE
Abstract
An apparatus for surface finishing a flange surface of a flange
of a pipe includes a frame assembly, a drive assembly coupled to
the frame assembly, and a bracket assembly coupled to the frame
assembly. The flange is clamped between the frame assembly and the
drive assembly. The drive assembly circumferentially translates the
apparatus around the pipe. A power tool is coupled to the bracket
assembly to perform the surface finishing operation on the flange
surface of the flange.
Inventors: |
Ulliman; Matthew S.;
(Dayton, OH) ; Martin; Jeff; (Troy, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ulliman; Matthew S.
Martin; Jeff |
Dayton
Troy |
OH
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63245541 |
Appl. No.: |
15/442892 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23B 5/161 20130101;
B24B 9/007 20130101; B24B 23/028 20130101; B23B 5/16 20130101; B24B
15/00 20130101; B24B 23/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24B 9/00 20060101
B24B009/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for surface finishing a flange surface of a flange
of a pipe, said apparatus comprising: a frame assembly; a drive
assembly coupled to said frame assembly; and a bracket assembly
coupled to said frame assembly; and wherein: said flange is clamped
between said frame assembly and said drive assembly; said drive
assembly circumferentially translates said apparatus around said
pipe; and a power tool is coupled to said bracket assembly to
perform said surface finishing operation on said flange surface of
said flange.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive assembly is linearly
movable relative to said frame assembly.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bracket assembly is
linearly movable relative to said frame assembly.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame assembly comprises:
a linear drive rail; and a drive carriage connected to said drive
rail, wherein said drive carriage is freely movable along said
drive rail, and wherein said drive assembly is coupled to said
drive carriage.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame assembly comprises:
a linear bracket rail; and a bracket carriage connected to said
bracket rail, wherein said bracket carriage is freely movable along
said bracket rail, and wherein said bracket assembly is coupled to
said bracket carriage.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive assembly comprises:
a drive motor coupled to said frame assembly; and a drive roller
operatively coupled to said drive motor, wherein said drive roller
is positioned to engage an inner pipe surface of said pipe; and
wherein: said flange is clamped between said frame assembly and
said drive roller; and rotation of said drive roller, in contact
with said inner pipe surface of said pipe, circumferentially
translates said apparatus around said pipe.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame assembly comprises a
clamp, and wherein said flange is clamped within said clamp and
between said clamp and said drive assembly.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame assembly further
comprises: at least one circumferential flange surface roller
positioned to engage a circumferential flange surface of said
flange; at least one flange surface roller positioned to engage
said flange surface of said flange; and at least one opposed flange
surface roller positioned to engage an opposed flange surface of
said flange; and wherein: said flange is clamped between said
circumferential flange surface roller and said drive assembly; and
said flange is clamped between said flange surface roller and said
opposed flange surface roller.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said frame assembly comprises:
a stationary jaw, wherein said circumferential flange surface
roller and said flange surface roller are freely rotatably
connected to said stationary jaw; a jaw guide connected to said
stationary jaw; a movable jaw connected to said jaw guide, wherein
said opposed flange surface roller is freely rotatably connected to
said movably jaw; and a clamp adjuster interconnecting said
stationary jaw and said movable jaw, wherein adjustment of said
clamp adjuster linearly moves said movable jaw within said jaw
guide relative to said stationary jaw.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bracket assembly
comprises: a bracket connector coupled to said frame assembly; a
bracket receiver connected to said bracket connector; and a bracket
received by said bracket receiver, wherein said power tool is
connected to said bracket.
11. An apparatus for surface finishing a flange surface of a flange
of a pipe, said apparatus comprising: a drive rail; a clamp
connected to said drive rail; a bracket rail connected to said
clamp; a drive motor coupled to said drive rail; a drive roller
operatively connected to said drive motor, wherein said drive
roller is positioned to engage an inner pipe surface of said pipe;
a pair of circumferential flange surface rollers freely rotatably
connected to said clamp, wherein said pair of circumferential
flange surface rollers are positioned to engage a circumferential
flange surface of said flange; a pair of flange surface rollers
freely rotatably connected to said clamp, wherein said pair of
flange surface rollers are positioned to engage said flange surface
of said flange; an opposed flange surface roller freely rotatably
connected to said clamp, wherein said opposed flange surface roller
is positioned to engage an opposed flange surface of said flange;
and a bracket assembly coupled to said bracket rail; and wherein:
said flange is clamped between said drive roller and said pair of
circumferential flange surface rollers; said flange is further
clamped between said pair of flange surface rollers and said
opposed flange surface roller; a power tool is coupled to said
bracket assembly to perform said surface finishing operation on
said flange surface of said flange; and rotation of said drive
roller, in contact with said inner pipe surface of said pipe,
circumferentially translates said apparatus around said pipe during
said surface finishing operation.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a drive carriage
connected to said drive rail, wherein said drive carriage is freely
movable along said drive rail, and wherein said drive motor is
connected to said drive carriage; a drive adjuster connected to
said drive rail; and a drive positioner disposed between said drive
adjuster and said drive carriage; and wherein: adjustment of said
drive adjuster linearly moves said drive positioner relative to
said drive rail; and linear movement of said drive positioner sets
a position of said drive carriage relative to said drive rail to
position said drive roller in contact with said inner pipe surface
of said pipe and said pair of circumferential flange surface
rollers in contact with said circumferential flange surface of said
flange.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said drive positioner biases
said drive carriage away from said drive adjuster to maintain
contact between said drive roller and said inner pipe surface of
said pipe and between said pair of circumferential flange surface
rollers and said circumferential flange surface of said flange.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said clamp comprises: a
stationary jaw interconnecting said drive rail and said bracket
rail, wherein said pair of circumferential flange surface rollers
and said pair of flange surface rollers are freely rotatably
connected to said stationary jaw; a jaw guide connected to said
stationary jaw; a movable jaw connected to said jaw guide, wherein
said opposed flange surface roller is freely rotatably connected to
said movably jaw; and a clamp adjuster interconnecting said
stationary jaw and said movable jaw, wherein adjustment of said
clamp adjuster linearly moves said movable jaw within said jaw
guide relative to said stationary jaw to position said pair of
flange surface rollers in contact with said flange surface of said
flange and said opposed flange surface roller in contact with said
opposed flange surface of said flange.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a bracket carriage
connected to said bracket rail, wherein said bracket carriage is
freely movable along said bracket rail, wherein said bracket
assembly is connected to said bracket carriage, and wherein linear
movement of said bracket carriage adjusts a position of said power
tool relative to said flange surface of said flange.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said bracket assembly
comprises: a bracket connector connected to said bracket carriage;
a bracket receiver connected to said bracket connector; a bracket
received by said bracket receiver, wherein said power tool is
connected to said bracket; and a bracket positioner connected to
said bracket connector, wherein adjustment of said bracket
positioner fixes a linear position of said bracket carriage
relative to said bracket rail.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said bracket assembly further
comprises a bracket retainer connected to said bracket receiver,
and wherein adjustment of said bracket retainer secures said
bracket within said bracket receiver.
18. A method for surface finishing a flange surface of a flange of
a pipe, said method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising:
a frame assembly; a drive assembly coupled to said frame assembly;
and a bracket assembly coupled to said frame assembly; clamping
said flange between said frame assembly and said drive assembly;
circumferentially translating said apparatus around said pipe; and
surface finishing said flange surface of said flange with a power
tool coupled to said bracket assembly.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: positioning a drive
roller of said drive assembly into contact with an inner pipe
surface of said pipe; positioning a pair of circumferential flange
surface rollers of said frame assembly into contact with a
circumferential flange surface of said flange; positioning a pair
of flange surface rollers of said frame assembly into contact with
said flange surface of said flange; positioning an opposed flange
surface roller of said frame assembly into contact with an opposed
flange surface of said flange; and rotating said drive roller, in
contact with said inner pipe surface of said pipe, with a drive
motor of said drive assembly.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising linearly adjusting a
position of said drive roller relative to said pair of
circumferential flange surface rollers to accommodate for a width
of said flange; and linearly adjusting a position of said opposed
flange surface roller relative to said pair of flange surface
rollers to accommodate for a thickness of said flange.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to surface
finishing tools and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods
for automatic surface finishing of a surface of a flange of a
pipe.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A pipe flange is a disc, collar or ring attached to a pipe
for the purpose of providing increased support or implementing the
attachment of another item, such as an additional section of pipe.
During installation of two abutting sections of pipe, a surface of
the flange of one pipe mates with a surface of the flange of an
adjacent pipe and then the flanges are connected together, for
example, by welding or with bolts. However, the mating contact
surface of the flange may require one or more surface finishing
operations prior to connection of the flanges. These surface
finishing operations are time consuming and very labor
intensive.
[0003] Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research
and development efforts in the field of surface finishing flange
surfaces of pipes.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, the disclosed apparatus for surface
finishing a flange surface of a flange of a pipe includes a frame
assembly, a drive assembly coupled to the frame assembly, and a
bracket assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The flange is
clamped between the frame assembly and the drive assembly. The
drive assembly circumferentially translates the apparatus around
the pipe. A power tool is coupled to the bracket assembly to
perform the surface finishing operation on the flange surface of
the flange.
[0005] In another embodiment, the disclosed apparatus for surface
finishing a flange surface of a flange of a pipe includes a drive
rail, a clamp connected to the drive rail, a bracket rail connected
to the clamp, a drive motor coupled to the drive rail, a drive
roller operatively connected to the drive motor, wherein the drive
roller is positioned to engage an inner pipe surface of the pipe, a
pair of circumferential flange surface rollers freely rotatably
connected to the clamp, wherein the pair of circumferential flange
surface rollers are positioned to engage a circumferential flange
surface of the flange, a pair of circumferential flange surface
rollers freely rotatably connected to the clamp, wherein the pair
of circumferential flange surface rollers are positioned to engage
a circumferential flange surface of the flange, a pair of flange
surface rollers freely rotatably connected to the clamp, wherein
the pair of flange surface rollers are positioned to engage a
flange surface of the flange, an opposed flange surface roller
freely rotatably connected to the clamp, wherein the opposed flange
surface roller is positioned to engage an opposed flange surface of
the flange, and a bracket assembly coupled to the bracket rail. The
flange is clamped between the drive roller and the pair of
circumferential flange surface rollers. The flange is further
clamped between the pair of flange rollers and the opposed flange
roller. A power tool is coupled to the bracket assembly to perform
the surface finishing operation on the flange surface of the
flange. Rotation of the drive roller, in contact with the inner
pipe surface of the pipe, circumferentially translates the
apparatus around the pipe during the surface finishing
operation.
[0006] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method for surface
finishing a flange surface of a flange of a pipe includes the steps
of: (1) providing an apparatus that includes a frame assembly, a
drive assembly coupled to the frame assembly, and a bracket
assembly coupled to the frame assembly; (2) clamping the flange
between the frame assembly and the drive assembly; (3)
circumferentially translating the apparatus around the pipe; and
(4) surface finishing the flange surface of the flange with a power
tool coupled to the bracket assembly.
[0007] Other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods will
become apparent from the following detailed description, the
accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic environmental top plan view of one
embodiment of the disclosed apparatus for surface finishing a
flange surface of a flange of a pipe;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic environmental front elevation view of
the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic environmental right side elevation
view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic environmental top plan view of the
disclosed apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic environmental left side elevation view
of the apparatus of FIG. 4;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial environmental top plan view of
the disclosed apparatus;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial environmental left side
elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic front and bottom perspective view of
the disclosed apparatus;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic top and right side perspective view of
the disclosed apparatus; and
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the disclosed
method for surface finishing a flange surface of a flange of a
pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the
disclosure. Other embodiments having different structures and
operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.
Like reference numerals may refer to the same element or component
in the different drawings.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, disclosed is one embodiment of an
apparatus 100 adapted for an automated surface finishing operation,
for example, of a flange surface 304 of a flange 302 of a pipe 300.
The apparatus 100 includes a frame assembly 102, a drive assembly
104 and a bracket assembly 106. A power tool 200 is coupled to the
apparatus 100 and is used to surface finish the flange surface 304
of the flange 302.
[0020] In FIGS. 1-7, the pipe 300 and the flange 302 of the pipe
300 are shown as transparent to more clearly illustrate the
disclosed apparatus 100 without being obstructed by the pipe 300 or
the flange 302.
[0021] The flange surface 304 of the flange 302 of the pipe 300,
which may also be referred to as a mounting flange surface or top
flange surface, includes (or defines) a contact surface, or portion
of the surface, of the flange 302 that will be placed into abutting
contact with another flange contact surface when two sections of
pipe are connected together. The flange surface 304 includes the
surface, or portion of the surface, that is to be subjected to the
surface finishing operation. In an example construction of the
flange 302 of the pipe 300, the flange surface 304 is planar.
[0022] An opposed flange surface 312 (FIGS. 2,3,5 and 7) of the
flange 302 of the pipe 300, which may also be referred to a bottom
flange surface, includes a surface, or portion of the surface, that
is opposite to the flange surface 304. In an example construction
of the flange 302 of the pipe 300, the opposed flange surface 312
is planar.
[0023] A circumferential flange surface 314 of the flange 302 of
the pipe 300 includes a surface, or portion of the surface,
extending between the flange surface 304 and the opposed flange
surface 312. The circumferential flange surface 314 is
approximately parallel to an inner pipe surface 306 of the pipe 300
and defines an outer diameter of the flange 302 of the pipe
300.
[0024] A width 316 (FIGS. 1-4 and 6) of the flange 302 of the pipe
300, and, for example, the flange surface 304 of the flange 302, is
defined as the linear distance, in plan view, between a point on
the inner pipe surface 306 and an opposing point on the
circumferential flange surface 314. A thickness 318 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5
and 7) of the flange 302 is defined as the linear distance, in side
elevation view, between a point on the flange surface 304 and an
opposing point on the opposed flange surface 312.
[0025] In an example implementation of use, the apparatus 100 is
coupled to the pipe 300 and the power tool 200 is coupled to the
apparatus 100. The power tool 200 is positioned in contact with the
flange surface 304 to perform the surface finishing operation on
the flange surface 304. Examples of surface finishing operations
performed by the power tool 200 may include stripping, cleaning,
deburring, sanding, grinding, cutting, polishing and the like. The
apparatus 100 automatically moves the power tool 200 along the
flange surface 304.
[0026] The frame assembly 102 is configured to engage the flange
302 of the pipe 300. As an example, upon attachment of the
apparatus 100 to the pipe 300, the frame assembly 102 may engage
the flange surface 304, the opposed flange surface 312 (FIGS. 2, 3,
5 and 7), and the circumferential flange surface 314, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7. Upon attachment of the apparatus
100 to the pipe 300, the frame assembly 102 extends across the
flange surface 304 of the flange 302 and the flange 302 is clamped
between the frame assembly 102 and the drive assembly 104, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3-7.
[0027] The drive assembly 104 is coupled to the frame assembly 102.
The drive assembly 104 is configured to engage the pipe 300. As an
example, upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300, the
drive assembly 104 may engage the inner pipe surface 306 of the
pipe 300, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7. The drive
assembly 104 is also configured to circumferentially translate the
apparatus 100 (the frame assembly 102 and, thus, the power tool
200) around the pipe 300. For example, drive assembly 104 may
circumferentially translate the apparatus 100 in the directions of
directional arrow 308 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 6).
[0028] The bracket assembly 106 is coupled to the frame assembly
102. The bracket assembly 106 is configured to support and position
the power tool 200 relative to the flange surface 304 of the flange
302. Upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300 and
during the surface finishing operation, the power tool 200 is
positioned such that a surface finishing attachment 204 (FIGS. 2
and 3) of the power tool 200 is in contact with the flange surface
304.
[0029] The power tool 200 may be any tool used for cutting,
grinding and/or polishing. As a non-limiting example, the power
tool 200 may be an angle grinder 202, also known as a side grinder
or disc grinder, such as an angle grinder commercially available
from the DeWalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Makita and others.
[0030] The surface finishing attachment 204 may be any attachment
used for stripping, cleaning, deburring, sanding, grinding, cutting
and/or polishing of a surface. As non-limiting examples, the
surface finishing attachments 204 may be an abrasive disc, a brush
(e.g., a wire brush) and the like. The surface finishing attachment
204 is mounted to the power tool 200 at a right angle.
[0031] The power tool 200 (e.g., the angle grinder 202) includes a
drive mechanism 206. The drive mechanism 206 is operatively coupled
to the surface finishing attachment 204 to rotate the surface
finishing attachment 204. The drive mechanism 206 may be configured
to rotate the surface finishing attachment 204 at various speeds.
The drive mechanism 206 may include various components common in
the art, such as a motor, a geared head and the like, housed within
an exterior housing. The power tool 200 (e.g., the drive mechanism
206) may be powered by an electric motor, compressed air and the
like.
[0032] The power tool 200 (e.g., the angle grinder 202) may also
include a guard 208 (e.g., an adjustable guard) mounted to the
housing and positioned around the surface finishing attachment 204.
In FIGS. 2, 3 and 7-9, the guard 208 is shown as transparent to
more clearly illustrate the disclosed apparatus 100 without being
obstructed by the guard 208.
[0033] The apparatus 100 may be configured to be adjustably mounted
to and used for a surface finishing operation on pipes 300 and/or
flanges 302 having different dimensions, for example, of various
flange widths 316 (FIGS. 1-4 and 6) and/or various flange
thicknesses 318 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7).
[0034] As examples, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the apparatus
100 may be adjustably mounted to a pipe 300 with a flange 302
having a width 316 ranging from approximately 3.75 inches to
approximately 8 inches and/or a thickness 318 ranging from
approximately 1.42 inches to approximately 3.38 inches, such as
those commonly associated with a pipe 300 having an inner diameter
ranging from approximately 16 inches (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5) to
approximately 60 inches (e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7), such as
approximately 48 inches (e.g., FIGS. 1-3).
[0035] The drive assembly 104 may be movable relative to the frame
assembly 102. As an example, the drive assembly 104 may move
linearly relative to the frame assembly 102, for example, in the
directions of directional arrow 310 (e.g., radially inward and/or
radially outward relative to a center of the pipe 300) (FIGS. 1 and
3-7).
[0036] Linear movement of the drive assembly 104 relative to the
frame assembly 102 may accommodate or account for the width 316 of
the flange 302. For example, linear adjustment of the position of
the drive assembly 104 relative to the frame assembly 102 may clamp
the pipe 300 between the frame assembly 102, which engages the
circumferential flange surface 314 of the flange 302, and the drive
assembly 104, which engages the inner pipe surface 306 of the pipe
300.
[0037] The drive assembly 104 may be biased into engagement with
the pipe 300. For example, linearly biasing the drive assembly 104
radially outward relative to the center of the pipe 300 may
maintain engagement between the drive assembly 104 and the inner
pipe surface 306 of the pipe 300, as the apparatus 100 moves
circumferentially along the flange 302 of the pipe 300.
[0038] The bracket assembly 106 may be movable relative to the
frame assembly 102. As an example, the bracket assembly 106 may
move linearly relative to the frame assembly 102, for example, in
the directions of directional arrow 310 (e.g., radially inward
relative to the pipe 300 and/or radially outward relative to the
pipe 300) (FIGS. 1 and 3-7). As another example, the bracket
assembly 106 may move angularly (e.g., rotate) relative to the
frame assembly 102.
[0039] Linear movement of the bracket assembly 106 relative to the
frame assembly 102 may account for the width 316 of the flange 302.
For example, linear adjustment of the position of the bracket
assembly 106 relative to the frame assembly 102 may position the
surface finishing attachment 204 of the power tool 200 at different
radial locations on the flange surface 304. As an example, and as
illustrated in FIG. 4, when the width 316 of the flange 302 is
equal to or smaller than a diameter of the surface finishing
attachment 204, linear adjustment of the position of the bracket
assembly 106 relative to the frame assembly 102 appropriately
positions the surface finishing attachment 204 on the flange
surface 304 such that the entire flange surface 304 is worked upon
as the apparatus 100 moves circumferentially along the flange 302
of the pipe 300. As another example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 6, when the width 316 of the flange 302 is larger than the
diameter of the surface finishing attachment 204, linear adjustment
of the position of the bracket assembly 106 relative to the frame
assembly 102 appropriately positions the surface finishing
attachment 204 on the flange surface 304 such that a portion of the
flange surface 304 is worked upon, as the apparatus 100 moves
circumferentially along the flange 302 of the pipe 300. A
subsequent linear adjustment of the position of the bracket
assembly 106 relative to the frame assembly 102 (e.g., radially
inward) appropriately positions the surface finishing attachment
204 on the flange surface 304 such that another portion of the
flange surface 304 is worked upon, as the apparatus 100 moves
circumferentially along the flange 302 of the pipe 300.
[0040] Rotation of the bracket assembly 106 relative to the frame
assembly 102 may angularly orient the surface finishing attachment
204 of the power tool 200 relative to the flange surface 304.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the frame assembly 102 includes
a drive rail 108 and a drive carriage 110. The drive carriage 110
is connected to and freely movable along the drive rail 108. The
drive rail 108 guides the drive carriage 110 along a linear path,
for example, in the directions of directional arrow 310 (FIGS. 1
and 3-7). The drive assembly 104 is connected to the drive carriage
110, such that linear movement of the drive carriage 110 along the
drive rail 108 adjusts the position of the drive assembly 104
relative to the frame assembly 102.
[0042] The drive assembly 104 includes a drive motor 118 and a
drive roller 120. The drive roller 120 is operatively coupled to
the drive motor 118. The drive motor 118 may be an electric motor,
a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor. The drive motor 118 is
operatively coupled to a power supply (not shown) via a power
supply line illustrated by a fragmented line (e.g., electrical
cable, hydraulic tube or pneumatic tube) connected to the drive
motor 118 in FIGS. 1 and 4-7.
[0043] The drive motor 118 may be operatively coupled to and
controlled by a controller (not shown). Optionally, the controller
may be remotely located away from the apparatus 100 in order to
allow an operator to remain at a safe distance from the apparatus
100 during the surface finishing operation. As an example, the
drive motor 118 may be wired to the controller via a control line
illustrated by another fragmented line (e.g., cable) connected to
the drive motor 118 in FIGS. 5 and 7. As another example, the drive
motor 118 may be wirelessly connected to the controller.
[0044] The drive motor 118 is connected to the drive carriage 110.
The drive roller 120 is positioned to engage the pipe 300. As an
example, the frame assembly 102 also includes a drive mount 122.
The drive mount 122 is connected to the drive carriage 110. The
drive motor 118 is connected to the drive mount 122 such that a
drive shaft (not visible) of the drive motor 118 extends through
the drive mount 122. The drive roller 120 is connected to the drive
shaft of the drive motor 118 on an opposing side of the drive mount
122.
[0045] Upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300, a
contact surface of the drive roller 120 is positioned to make
engaging contact with the inner pipe surface 306, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7. As an example, the drive roller
120 is a flat roller having a straight contact surface. As another
example, the drive roller 120 is a crown roller having a contoured
contact surface (e.g., convex, a concave, a straight taper, a
straight taper with center flat, etc.).
[0046] The frame assembly 102 includes a bracket rail 126 and a
bracket carriage 128. In an example embodiment, the bracket rail
126 is spaced apart from and oriented parallel to the drive rail
108. The bracket carriage 128 is connected to and freely movable
along the bracket rail 126. The bracket rail 126 guides the bracket
carriage 128 along a linear path, for example, in the directions of
directional arrow 310 (FIGS. 1 and 3-7). The bracket assembly 106
is connected to the bracket carriage 128, such that linear movement
of the bracket carriage 128 along the bracket rail 126 adjusts the
position of the bracket assembly 106 relative to the frame
assembly.
[0047] The frame assembly 102 includes a clamp 124. The clamp 124
is connected to (e.g., interconnects) the drive rail 108 and the
bracket rail 126. In an example embodiment, the clamp 124 is
connected proximate to (e.g., at or near) a first end 138 of the
frame assembly 102 (e.g., first ends of the drive rail 108 and the
bracket rail 126).
[0048] The clamp 124 is configured to engage the flange 302 in two
perpendicular virtual planes (e.g., a first virtual plane 322
parallel to the flange surface 304 and a second virtual plane 324
perpendicular to the first virtual plane 140), as illustrated in
FIG. 3. The clamp 124 includes a stationary jaw 130 and a movable
jaw 132. The movable jaw 132 is linearly moveable relative to the
stationary jaw 130, for example, in the directions of directional
arrow 326 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7). Upon attachment of the apparatus
100 to the pipe 300, the flange 302 is positioned and clamped
between the stationary jaw 130 and the drive assembly 104 (e.g., in
the first virtual plane 322) and between the stationary jaw 130 and
the movable jaw 132 (e.g., in the second virtual plane 324).
[0049] In an embodiment, the stationary jaw 130 of the clamp 124
includes at least one circumferential flange surface roller 142.
The circumferential flange surface roller 142 is freely rotatably
coupled to the stationary jaw 130. Upon attachment of the apparatus
100 to the pipe 300, a contact surface of the circumferential
flange surface roller 142 is positioned to make engaging contact
with the circumferential flange surface 314 of the flange 302, as
best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7.
[0050] Thus, upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300,
the flange 302 is clamped between the drive roller 120, which is in
contact with the inner pipe surface 306, and the circumferential
flange surface roller 142, which is in contact with the
circumferential flange surface 314, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3,
5 and 7. As an example, the circumferential flange surface roller
142 is a flat roller having a straight contact surface. As another
example, the circumferential flange surface roller 142 is a crown
roller having a contoured contact surface.
[0051] In the illustrative embodiment, the drive assembly 104
includes one drive motor 118 and one drive roller 120 and the frame
assembly 102 includes a pair of circumferential flange surface
rollers 142 coupled to the stationary jaw 130. However, in other
embodiments, the drive assembly 104 may include more than one drive
motor 118 and/or more than one drive roller 120 and/or the frame
assembly 102 may include one circumferential flange surface roller
142 or more than two circumferential flange surface rollers 142. In
an embodiment having one drive roller 120 and one circumferential
flange surface roller 142, the drive roller 120 is aligned with the
circumferential flange surface roller 142 such that the point of
contact with the inner pipe surface 306 is aligned with the point
of contact with the circumferential flange surface 314. In an
embodiment having one drive roller 120 and two circumferential
flange surface roller 142, the drive roller 120 is positioned
between the circumferential flange surface rollers 142 such that
the point of contact with the inner pipe surface 306 is centered
between the points of contact with the circumferential flange
surface 314.
[0052] The frame assembly 102 also includes a drive adjuster 112
connected to a second end of the drive rail 108 opposite the clamp
124 (e.g., at a second end 140 of the frame assembly 102). As an
example, the drive adjuster 112 includes a threaded shaft 134 and a
head 136. The shaft 134 (FIGS. 6, 7 and 9) of the drive adjuster
112 is threadably coupled to a threaded hole formed in the end of
the drive rail 108.
[0053] In an embodiment, a drive positioner 114 is positioned
between and engages the drive adjuster 112 and the drive carriage
110. As an example, the drive positioner 114 is a compression coil,
or helical, spring coaxially positioned around the first end of the
drive rail 108. A first end of the drive positioner 114 engages the
head 136 of the drive adjuster 112 and an opposed second end of the
drive positioner 114 engages the drive carriage 110. The drive
positioner 114 may also include a retaining ring 116 disposed at
its second end to contact the drive carriage 110.
[0054] The drive adjuster 112 and the drive positioner 114 set the
position of the drive carriage 110 and, thus, the drive assembly
104 relative to the clamp 124 and clamp the flange 302 between the
drive roller 120 and the circumferential flange surface roller 142.
Adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the drive adjuster 112 adjusts the
linear position of the drive carriage 110 and, thus, the drive
assembly 104 relative to the clamp 124 to accommodate or account
for different widths 316 (FIGS. 1-7) of the flange 302. As an
example, rotation (e.g., tightening) of the drive adjuster 112
moves the head 136 of the drive adjuster 112 toward the second end
of the drive rail 108, which moves the drive positioner 114 toward
the clamp 124, which in turn moves the drive carriage 110 and the
drive assembly 104 toward the clamp 124 (e.g., radially outward
relative to the pipe 300). As another example, counter-rotation
(e.g., loosening) of the drive adjuster 112 moves the head 136 of
the drive adjuster 112 away the second end of the drive rail 108,
which allows the drive positioner 114 to move away from the clamp
124, which in turn allows the drive carriage 110 and the drive
assembly 104 to move away from the clamp 124 (e.g., radially inward
relative to the pipe 300).
[0055] Once the flange 302 is clamped between the drive roller 120
and the circumferential flange surface roller 142, the drive
positioner 114 exerts a compression force upon the drive carriage
110 to maintain the drive roller 120 in contact with the inner pipe
surface 306 and the circumferential flange surface roller 142 in
contact with the circumferential flange surface 314 of the flange
302 as the drive assembly 104 circumferentially translates the
apparatus 100 around the pipe 300 during the surface finishing
operation.
[0056] In an embodiment, the drive positioner 114 (e.g., the coil
spring) biases the drive roller 120 into contact with the inner
pipe surface 306 as the drive assembly 104 circumferentially
translates the apparatus 100 around the pipe 300 during the surface
finishing operation. The drive positioner 114 may also allow for
some linear movement of the drive carriage 110 and the drive
assembly 104 when the drive roller 120 encounters an obstacle
(e.g., a non-smooth portion of the inner pipe surface 306) or when
the circumferential flange surface roller 142 encounters an
obstacle (e.g., a non-smooth portion of the circumferential flange
surface 314). The magnitude of the biasing compression force and
the amount of available linear movement may depend upon the
adjusted position of the drive adjuster 112.
[0057] In an embodiment, the drive assembly 104 also includes a
balance roller 176 (FIG. 7). The balance roller 176 is freely
rotatably connected to the drive mount 122. Upon attachment of the
apparatus 100 to the pipe 300, a contact surface of the balance
roller 176 is positioned to make engaging contact with the flange
surface 304. The balance roller 176 counters a torque exerted on
the frame assembly 102 due to the weight of the drive assembly
104.
[0058] In an embodiment, the stationary jaw 130 of the clamp 124
includes at least one flange surface roller 144. The flange surface
roller 144 is freely rotatably coupled to the stationary jaw 130.
Upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300, a contact
surface of the flange surface roller 144 is positioned to make
engaging contact with the flange surface 304 of the flange 302, as
best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7. The movable jaw 132 includes
at least one opposed flange surface roller 146. The opposed flange
surface roller 146 is freely rotatably coupled to the movable jaw
132. Upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300, a
contact surface of the opposed flange surface roller 146 is
positioned to make engaging contact with the opposed flange surface
312 of the flange 302, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7.
[0059] Thus, upon attachment of the apparatus 100 to the pipe 300,
the flange 302 is also clamped between the flange surface roller
144, which is in contact with the flange surface 304, and the
opposed flange surface roller 146, which is in contact with the
opposed flange surface 312, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and
7. As an example, the flange surface roller 144 and/or the opposed
flange surface roller 146 are flat rollers having a straight
contact surface. As another example, the flange surface roller 144
and/or the opposed flange surface roller 146 are crown rollers
having a contoured contact surface.
[0060] In the illustrative embodiment, the frame assembly 102
includes a pair of flange surface rollers 144 and one opposed
flange surface roller 146. However, in other embodiments, the frame
assembly 102 may include one flange surface roller 144 or more than
two flange surface rollers 144 and/or more than one opposed flange
surface roller 146. In an embodiment having one flange surface
roller 144 and one opposed flange surface roller 146, the opposed
flange surface roller 146 is aligned with the flange surface roller
144 such that the point of contact with the opposed flange surface
312 is aligned with the point of contact with the flange surface
304. In an embodiment having one opposed flange surface roller 146
and two flange surface roller 144, the opposed flange surface
roller 146 is positioned between the flange surface rollers 144
such that the point of contact with the opposed flange surface 312
is centered between the points of contact with the flange surface
304.
[0061] The clamp 124 includes a clamp adjuster 148 (FIG. 9)
connected to stationary jaw 130 and the movable jaw 132. As an
example, the clamp adjuster 148 includes a threaded shaft 152 and a
head 150 (FIG. 9). The shaft 152 of the clamp adjuster 148 extends
through a smooth bore hole formed in through the stationary jaw 130
and is threadably coupled to a threaded hole formed through the
movable jaw 132.
[0062] The clamp adjuster 148 sets the position of the movable jaw
132 relative to the stationary jaw 130 and, thus, the position of
the opposed flange surface roller 146 relative to the flange
surface roller 144 and clamps the flange 302 between the flange
surface roller 144 and the opposed flange surface roller 146.
Adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the clamp adjuster 148 adjusts the
linear position of the movable jaw 132 relative to the stationary
jaw 130 and, thus, the position of the opposed flange surface
roller 146 relative to the flange surface roller 144 to accommodate
or account for different thicknesses 318 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7) of
the flange 302. As an example, rotation (e.g., tightening) of the
clamp adjuster 148 moves the movable jaw 132 toward the stationary
jaw 130 and, thus, the opposed flange surface roller 146 toward the
flange surface roller 144 (e.g., inwardly). As an example,
counter-rotation (e.g., loosening) of the clamp adjuster 148 moves
the movable jaw 132 away from the stationary jaw 130 and, thus, the
opposed flange surface roller 146 away from the flange surface
roller 144 (e.g., outwardly).
[0063] The clamp 124 may also include a spring 154 (FIG. 8). As an
example, the spring 154 is a compression coil, or helical, spring
positioned coaxially around the shaft 152 of the clamp adjuster 148
and positioned between the head 150 of the clamp adjuster 148 and
the movable jaw 132. The spring 154 is positioned to apply a
constant force between and upon the movable jaw 132 and the clamp
adjuster 148 to assist in adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the clamp
adjuster 148 and linear movement of the movable jaw 132.
[0064] In an example embodiment, the clamp 124 includes a jaw guide
156. The jaw guide 156 defines a jaw channel within which the
movable jaw 132 translates, for example, in the direction of
directional arrow 326 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7). The jaw guide 156
prevents rotation of the movable jaw 132 in response to rotation of
the clamp adjuster 148 and allows movement of the movable jaw 132
along a linear path.
[0065] The bracket assembly 106 includes a bracket connector 158
and a bracket 160. The bracket connector 158 is connected to the
bracket carriage 128. The bracket 160 is connected to the power
tool 200. As an example, the bracket 160 is fastened to the housing
of the power tool 200 by a mechanical (e.g., threaded fastener).
The bracket connector 158 retains the bracket 160 such that the
surface finishing attachment 204 of the power tool 200 is
positioned at a predetermined orientation relative to the flange
surface 304, for example, approximately parallel to the flange
surface 304.
[0066] In an example embodiment, the bracket connector 158 includes
a bracket receiver 162. The bracket receiver 162 defines a bracket
channel within which the bracket 160 is received. As an example,
the bracket receiver 162 may prevent rotation of the bracket 160
and, thus, the power tool 200 in response to contact between the
surface finishing attachment 204 and the flange surface 304 during
the surface finishing operation. As another example, the bracket
receiver 162 may be rotatably connected to the bracket connector
158 such that the angular orientation of the bracket receiver 162
and, thus, the bracket 160 relative to the bracket connector is
adjustable and the angular orientation of the power tool 200
relative to the flange surface 304 is adjustable.
[0067] The bracket assembly 106 also includes a bracket positioner
164 connected to the bracket connector 158. As an example, the
bracket positioner 164 includes a threaded shaft 168 (FIGS. 3 and
7) and a head 166. The shaft 152 of the bracket positioner 164 is
threadably coupled to and extends through a threaded hole formed
through the bracket connector 158.
[0068] The bracket positioner 164 sets the position of the bracket
carriage 128 and, thus, the bracket assembly 106 relative to the
bracket rail 126. Adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the bracket
positioner 164 fixes the linear position of the bracket carriage
128 and, thus, the bracket assembly 106 along the bracket rail 126.
As an example, rotation (e.g., tightening) of the bracket
positioner 164 moves an end of the shaft 168 of the bracket
positioner 164 toward the bracket rail 126 and into frictional
contact with a surface of the bracket rail 126 to prevent movement
of the bracket carriage 128. As another example, counter-rotation
(e.g., loosening) of the bracket positioner 164 moves the end of
the shaft 168 of the bracket positioner 164 away from the surface
of the bracket rail 126 to allow free linear movement of the
bracket carriage 128 along the bracket rail 126.
[0069] The bracket assembly 106 also includes a bracket retainer
170 connected to the bracket connector 158. As an example, the
bracket retainer 170 includes a threaded shaft (not visible) and a
head 172. The shaft of the bracket retainer 170 is threadably
coupled to and extends through a threaded hole formed through the
bracket connector 158.
[0070] The bracket retainer 170 secures the bracket 160 within the
bracket receiver 162. As an example, rotation (e.g., tightening) of
the bracket retainer 170 moves an end of the shaft of the bracket
retainer 170 into the channel defined by the bracket receiver 162
and into frictional contact with a surface of the bracket 160 to
prevent linear movement of the bracket 160 within the bracket
receiver 162. As another example, counter-rotation (e.g.,
loosening) of the bracket retainer 170 moves the end of the shaft
of the bracket retainer 170 away from the surface of the bracket
160 to allow linear movement of the bracket 160 within the bracket
receiver 162, for example, to adjust the position of the bracket
160 and, thus, the power tool 200 or remove the bracket 160 from
within the bracket receiver 162.
[0071] The head 136 of the drive adjuster 112, the head 150 of the
clamp adjuster 148, the head 166 of the bracket positioner 164
and/or the head 172 of the bracket retainer 170 may be tall head
with ridged or knurled sides such that it may be tightened and
loosened by hand, without the need for a tool.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 10, flow diagram 500 depicts an example
method for surface finishing the flange surface 304 of the flange
302 of the pipe 300 using the disclosed apparatus 100 shown in
FIGS. 1-9. At block 502, the apparatus 100 is provided. The
apparatus 100 includes the frame assembly 102, the drive assembly
104 and the bracket assembly 106.
[0073] At block 504, the drive roller 120 of the drive assembly 104
is positioned into contact with the inner pipe surface 306 of the
pipe 300. At block 506, the pair of circumferential flange surface
rollers 142 of the frame assembly 102 is positioned into contact
with the circumferential flange surface 314 of the flange 302.
[0074] At block 508, optionally, a position of the drive roller 120
relative to the pair of circumferential flange surface rollers 142
is linearly adjusted to accommodate for the width 316 of the flange
302.
[0075] At block 510, the pair of flange surface rollers 144 of the
frame assembly 102 is placed into contact with the flange surface
304 of the flange 302. At block 512, the opposed flange surface
roller 146 of the frame assembly 102 is positioned into contact
with the opposed flange surface 312 of the flange 302.
[0076] At block 516, optionally, a position of the opposed flange
surface roller 146 relative to the pair of flange surface rollers
144 is linearly adjusted to accommodate for the thickness 318 of
the flange 302.
[0077] At block 516, the flange 302 is clamped between the frame
assembly 102 and the drive assembly 104.
[0078] At block 518, the drive roller 120, in contact with the
inner pipe surface 306 of the pipe 300, is rotated with the drive
motor 118 of the drive assembly 104. At block 520, the apparatus
100 is circumferentially translated around the pipe 300.
[0079] At block 522, the flange surface 304 of the flange 302 is
surface finished with the power tool 200 coupled to the bracket
assembly 106.
[0080] Although various embodiments of the disclosed system and
method have been shown and described, modifications may occur to
those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The
present application includes such modifications and is limited only
by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *